Course Description
This course is designed for students who are engaging in an international service learning experience in a developing country. Facilitated seminars address: (1) 5 key themes (motivation, cultural competence, balance and reciprocity, sustainability, and witnessing and observing); (2) the social, cultural, political and economic contexts of the developing country; (3) the development of a student learning plan in collaboration with a local community agency; and (4) the risks and realities of sustained work in a developing country. Students are then placed in a developing country and will work on a community development project alongside a local community partner. Within this context, students will work collaboratively with members of their host organization, develop their understanding of local challenges, and enhance their understanding of small-scale ethical projects. Students will complete pre-placement assignments, in-placement assignments, and participate in a post-placement debrief.
Course Content
The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:
- Context -
- articulate an understanding of the history and geography of the developing country and its effects on the political system and religious and cultural practices.
- describe the effects of oppression and colonialism on the power structure within the society.
- think critically about the effects of religious beliefs and cultural practices on women and children; LGBTQ communities, healthcare practices, and disability issues.
- Themes - explore themes representing the theoretical, ethical and practical questions that arise in international service learning processes, including sustainability, cultural competence, balance and reciprocity, motivation, and witnessing and observing.
- Case studies - consider, reflect, and dialogue on real life scenarios from diverse non-Western or developing countries.
- Learning plan - collaboratively develop a learning plan for an international service learning experience in a developing country that reflects student learning outcomes and service needs of local community agency.
- Implement, Reflect Upon, and Develop Recommendations – individualized learning plans advance and enhance student learning and provide value-added to local community agency.
- Preparation, Planning, and Debrief – engage in physical, emotional and intellectual preparation to recognize, anticipate, and deal with the risks and realities of an international service learning experience.
Learning Activities
Methods of instruction will depend on the delivery mode: In-person, online, hybrid, or guided study.
Methods may include:
- Field experience
- Supervision
- Facilitation
- Seminar discussion
- Lecture
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:
- Written research assignments
- Completion of a learning plan
- Self evaluation
- Field assessment
This is a mastery/non-mastery graded course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, political, economic and social contexts of the international service learning country.
- Articulate, appreciate and apply the values and practices of cultural competence, sustainability, balance and reciprocity, and witnessing and observing.
- Develop an international service learning plan that is consistent with ethical, culturally competent, and sustainable practices.
- Deconstruct personal values, beliefs, and motivations as they apply to the international service learning experience.
- Participate in and reflect upon participation in an international service learning experience in a developing country.
- Provide value and benefit to an international service learning community agency through the provision of recommendations, program materials, and / or other resources.
Textbook Materials
A reading list of relevant articles/materials for this course will be compiled by the course instructor.